I am.

If you were asked today to fill in the blank “I am __________.” What would you say? Would your answer change based on the atmosphere you are in, the people you are around, the context of the question, or even your current state of mind?
Could you answer the question in a direct manner or would you have to start listing all the things you aren’t, therefore, determining who you are by process of elimination and not directly answering the question of who you are? Would you honestly answer who you are at the current and present time or would you mix in who you are based on where your life may go in the future or who you want be in a future state? Would your internal voice say something different than you external voice?
Lastly, could the people who are closest to you validate who you say you are? Would they say you are someone different than who you say you are?
Who are you?

Leadership: Least Significant Value

Great leaders don’t become great from doing great things. Great leaders become great for doing the things of least significance. I didn’t say the least value but the least significance. There is a difference.

Here are a few examples I’ve heard or seen myself in my life. I’ve heard stories of military Generals cleaning the hospital floor and restocking supplies following a bloody battle. I’ve heard stories of military Generals walking the cemetery that hold the graves of many men and women they put there because the men and women in those graves were following their orders. I’ve heard of CEOs taking out the trash and restocking the rest rooms. I’ve seen restaurant owners washing dishes, wiping down tables, and taking out the trash. In the Bible, we have the story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. And this weekend I saw a pastor on their knees in the aisle praising God during worship.

To most people these acts have very little significant value but to great leaders the willingness to do the little things creates a base and a mindset for doing greater things later on. Great leaders are committed to the insignificant.